Saving Green by Going Green!

"Going green" has been the popular catchphrase of last couple years - and that is putting it mildly. It seems that everyone is finding different ways to live Eco-friendly at home, work and everywhere in-between. There are many advantages of living green such as reducing harm done to the environment, creating greater sustainability practices to pass onto future generations and reducing overall waste.

While all of these reasons are certainly the ultimate goal of going green, many people are still asking, "What's in it for me, now?" So for all of you who are wondering what the immediate benefits of going green will be for you and yours, then continue on. I have listed 5 great reasons for going green at home that will have a direct impact where you need it most - in your wallet. Yes, green living is not just good for the Earth, it can be great for your bank account as well. Here's how:

Lowering Utility Costs

One of the best ways to save some green is to lower your monthly bills. By improving the energy efficiency of your home you can do just that. Not sure if it is really worth it? Check out the government's neat tool for homeowners called the Home Energy Saver Energy Advisor. This tool will give you an idea of what annual energy bills look like in your city for energy efficient homes and non-energy efficient homes. By plugging in some information you can use the tool to find out exactly what you will save and how long it will take you to recoup the money you will invest towards upgrading your home's energy efficiency.

Tax-Credits Towards Home Improvements (For Primary Residence)

With the passing of the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008, there were many tax credits reinstated for homeowners who choose to build a green home or upgrade their current homes to certain governmental standards. Credits are given with the installation or improvement of a home's exterior windows, doors, insulation, roofing, water heater, furnace and more. For a list of what is covered click here.

Lower Your Shopping Bills

By changing some of the things that you use around the house you can lower your shopping bill by several hundred dollars a year. A few of the ways you can do this is by using washable cleaning rags instead of paper towels, purchasing a reusable coffee filter, using multi-use razors instead of disposable razors, only printing things on your printer that are essential for filing or office use and purchasing CFL bulbs (which I have personally observed to last several months longer) instead of the old incandescent light bulbs (which are currently being phased out anyway).

Tax Deductions

Instead of just throwing your old clothes away that don't fit anymore or tossing that "antique" lamp in the trash, take them to Goodwill or the Salvation Army and donate them. By doing this you will reduce the trash that will end up just sitting in a landfill while at the same time getting a tax break.
When you donate to a non-profit (501c3) organization you can claim that as a tax deduction as a charitable contribution.

Improving Resale Value of Home

By improving your homes efficiency you will not only be saving money now, but you will be improving the potential value of your home to a future home buyer. Home buyers are more aware than ever of the way in which green homes save money. By upgrading your home today you will be setting your home apart from others that are stuck in the past - environmentally speaking that is. Having a home that is "up with the times" will surely help you to get top dollar out of your home when it comes time to sell.

Going green is not just a fad, it is becoming a way of life for countless Americans. Everyday, more and more people are seeing how they can help the environment and help themselves at the same time. Going green is truly a win-win situation for everybody.